Our Children’s Autism Hub is available to children and young people aged 0-18, and their families, who have a formal diagnosis of Autism.
For individuals that have other needs, for example, a learning disability, the Autism Hub will provide support in respect of their Autism. Our hub is based at Hazeldine House in Telford Town Centre.
Telford Adult’s Autism Hubs main aim is to enable individuals to better understand their autistic identity. This can be an individual seeking an assessment or general support. It can also be other agencies and businesses wanting to be better placed to meet the needs of Telford’s neurodiversity community. We work with adults registered with a GP in Telford and Wrekin. Our Hub is based at Hazeldine House in Telford Town Centre.
Telford Adult’s Autism Hub provides:
The Breastfeeding Network offers free information and support for you.
Trained peers supporters are available throughout your feeding journey including offering antenatal infant feeding workshops, in hospital support and free drop in groups within the community.
The team can support families exclusively breastfeeding, combi-feeding, pumping/expressing and those wanting to move on from breastfeeding
The groups are for anyone who is interested in breastfeeding, needs support or wants a safe, welcoming place to meet other families.
For further information, follow us on Facebook @BreastfeedingNetworkShropshire or visit our website
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/Bounce and Rhyme sessions are aimed at babies and toddlers, aged under 5, along with their mums, dads and carers.
Come along and share nursery rhymes, action songs – it is fun, interactive and noisy.
Bounce and Rhyme sessions are free and are a great opportunity for dads, mums, carers and children to make new friends in a relaxed setting.
FREE Baby First Aid and Accident Prevention classes run by the award winning Mini First Aid in community venues around Telford & Wrekin.The Baby First Aid course will teach you how to manage many ailments such as Bumps and Burns, Febrile Seizures, Choking and Bleeding, how to carry out life saving CPR and empower you with knowledge on safe sleep, Sepsis and Meningitis Awareness. The Accident Prevention course will educate you on keeping your home safe and get you thinking about all the things you may never thought could be hazard to a baby or small child!
Please email the LMNS Team at betterbirths.stw@nhs.net for more
information.
This is a group with a range of play activities for children 0-5 years of age who have an additional need.
Eligible for families prior, during or after diagnosis. Children must be supervised, two children per one adult. Siblings without an additional need are also welcome to attend.
Info- A stay and play session for infants and pre-schoolers with SEND, Eligible to families prior to and after diagnosis. We have fun activities every week, come have a coffee, meet other parents in our welcoming inclusive environment.
Age -0-5
Dates and times- Tuesdays 10am-11.30am
Venue- Cherry Blossom Family Hub, PODS Hub, 1 Hawksworth Road, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TU
Will provide advice and support for people who need help to resolve problems they face.
Citizens Advice service provides free confidential advise around your rights and responsibilities, such as benefits, housing, debt support, financial, employment.
Citizens advice have centres through Telford and Wrekin.
For further information visit:-
https://www.citizensadvicetelfordandthewrekin.org.ukFamilies, carers and professionals can access comprehensive local information via this website relating to the needs of children aged 0-19 years old or to 24 years old for those with a disability.
If you would like further information in relation to an adult, please visit www.telford.gov.uk/asc
At Family Connect we know that some families may need some extra help and support for a variety of reasons such as following:
Alternatively call 01952 385385
For further information visit:-
https://www.familyconnecttelford.co.ukTums and Tinies
This group is specifically tailored for the needs of pregnant ladies, babies and little ones up until they start confidently moving around. Tums and Tinies provides a safe environment for babies to be able to explore and for new mothers to feel confident to be able to talk honestly and openly about their experiences. There are lots of relaxed conversations about topics such as feeding, sleep problems, milestones, weaning and the impact on relationships.
Rise and Shine
This group designated for those little ones who are starting to find their confidence in moving. Activities are designed to encourage children in their movement and provide them with a range of experiences. Stage appropriate topics such as becoming more dependent on solid foods, language and physical development are also covered.
Drop in and Play
This group offers an opportunity for multiple indoor and outdoor activities for carers and their little ones.
Creative and imaginative play helps develop a whole range of social and practical skills that are needed to support the transition towards nursery and school.
For further information visit:-
https://www.familiesintelford.co.ukFuture Focus is an impartial, free, careers guidance support service for young people living in Telford and Wrekin aged between 16-19 or up to 25 years for those with additional needs.
Future Focus provide impartial information, advice and guidance on careers and future planning. They can also help you when things get in the way of your learning or future plans, and look at support services with you that might also be able to help.
Your Future Focus Adviser will support you into and during your education, employment, or training.
For further information visit:-
https://www.telfordjobbox.co.uk/futurefocusWe want every child in Telford and Wrekin to have the best possible start in life by providing you with information and guidance to support your parenting journey during your baby’s first two years.
In addition, our Family Hubs provide support for new parents and carers with infant feeding, emotional wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and many other services.
Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. All parents struggle at some time or another. You are not alone.
Home-Start’s expert staff and trained volunteers work alongside families just like yours to give non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support.
Chatterbox Wednesday (term time only)
This is a group for parents and their pre-school children to enjoy activities together.
Friday Playing Together (term time only)
This is for a group for parents and their pre-school children to enjoy activities together.
Teenage mum me time (term time only)
This is a weekly drop-in group for mums under 19. Sessions include crafts, pampering, relaxation and peer support
For further information visit :
https://www.homestarttelfordandwrekin.co.ukBeing active for at least 60 minutes a day (5-18 years olds) will make you feel warmer, breathe faster and give you healthier hearts, stronger bones, build your concentration, build your confidence and help you feel happier and worry less.
The 60 minutes activity can be broken down into 10 minute blocks throughout the day.
Happy Healthy Active Holidays runs holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. There are funded spaces available to children in reception through to year 11 who receive benefit-related free school meals.
For further information visit:-
https://hhah.telford.gov.uk/Health visitors are qualified nurses who have undertaken further training in all areas of child health and development and are skilled practitioners in public health
Single Point of Access (SPOA)Telford and Wrekin
General enquiries and appointments:
Tel: 0333 358 3328
Text for Health Advice:
Health Visitor Team
07520 619053
This is a one stop shop for information and support on job vacancies training and employment in the Telford and Wrekin.
For further information visit:-
https://www.telfordjobbox.co.ukWhat is Kooth used for?
Kooth offers emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24 years of age.
Young people using Kooth, have access to qualified online counsellors seven days a week who will provide counselling, through a chat-based messaging service or via drop-in or pre-booked sessions.
For further information visit:-
https://www.kooth.comLearn Telford is part of Telford & Wrekin Council that provides high quality learning opportunities to the people living in the borough.
Our mission is that we aim to widen participation so that as many people in the community can experience the joy of learning and take advantage of the wider benefits that learning brings, such as improved confidence, reduced social isolation, improved wellbeing, improved social cohesion and increased civic participation.
The service also aims to contribute to improving the skills and employment levels of the borough by supporting adults who are low-skilled, unemployed, or otherwise distant from learning and employment to progress.
For further information visit:-
www.learntelford.ac.ukFor further information visit:-
https://www.internetmatters.org/Involving and supporting families who have a child or young person (aged between 0-25) that has a disability or addition needs.
The support available is for health, education and social care.
PODS facilitate groups and activities, including a befriending scheme to support families in Telford.
For further information visit:-
https://www.podstelford.orgPlaying Together is a time for families and carers to come along with their children aged 0-5 years.
We have a variety of free sessions over Telford and Wrekin. We provide a range of activities such as messy play, sensory play, construction and circle time for stories and singing.
For further information contact us :-
01952 385465 or view the Start for Life booklet
We are working with 12 to 21 year olds that are struggling with substance use issues or have a parent in addiction.
Recharge Telford support young people to talk about feelings and ways of coping with difficult emotions, raising their awareness and exploring the changes they want to make.
We are creative, compassionate and understanding in our approach and we create an environment that is a safe confidential calm space.
For further information visit :
https://www.rechargetelford.org.ukWe provide a free, confidential, and easy to access service for anyone needing support for their alcohol or drug use living in Telford and Wrekin.
At Telford STaRS we believe individuals are capable of changing their lives for the better.
We are committed to helping you do this by providing high quality, caring, evidence-based services.
If you are concerned and looking for some advice or support then please call us or refer yourself online.
For further information visit:-
https://www.telfordstars.orgWe support parents and carers of children with a special educational needs up to the age of 25. Once a young person reaches 16 it is a legal requirement that they become directly involved in making decisions themselves. Some young people still prefer to have close parent or carer support, some wish to be more independent. We’ll have a chat about this and decide which way is best for you.
If you’re 16 or over, why not take look at all the information in our Young Persons Zone
How we can help you :
For further information visit:-
https://www.telfordsendiass.org.ukInformation about how to begin and when to start weaning safely.
For further information visit:-
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaningTalk and Play in the Bell Tent – drop-in therapeutic support for parents, babies and toddlers.
For more information visit :
https://www.theseachangetrust.co.ukAll children are entitled to start in a Reception class in the September following their fourth birthday. Children do not, however, have to start school in September if it is felt that they are not ready. The statutory school age, by which a child must start school, will remain as the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.
From mid September you can apply online for a reception school place. If you do not have access to a computer you can go to your local library and ask a member of staff to help you submit an application.
For further information visit:-
https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20026/school_admissionsUnderstanding the Teenage Brain
Find out what happens to the brain as a child hits adolescence. See how this explains some of the changes you’ve noticed in their behaviour.
This online course covers:
Password for Course:Darwin 18
For further information visit:-
https://solihullapproachparenting.com/online-courses-for-parents/Positively nurture your baby’s development and a close relationship right from the start – this toolkit of tips and ideas really works!
For further Information visit:-
https://www.triplep-parenting.uk.net/uk/get-started/triple-p-parenting-in-telford/Check to see if your eligible with supporting after school and holiday clubs via the governments tax -free childcare scheme
For further information visit:-
https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcareThe Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people.
We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
For further information visit:-
https://www.themix.org.ukFor residents of Telford and Wrekin with a TLC card you can access activities within the borough for a £2.
For further information visit:-
https://mytlc.telford.gov.uk/The Talking Early Years and Childcare team specialises in early years and childcare and is dedicated to supporting parent/carers, childcare settings of all types across Telford and Wrekin including private, voluntary and Council maintained provision.
The team's work includes:
For further information visit:-
https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20392/Nurseries_and_childcare
https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20391/working_in_childcare/5301/all_about_the_early_years_team
https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20393/free_childcare_places_for_2_3_and_4_year_olds
Thrive Telford supports local people in Telford and Wrekin with housing, wellbeing and finance needs.
By sharing resources in an open and transparent manner to ensure that they provide the best possible service to local people.
For further information visit:-
https://www.inspire2thrive.co.ukYoung Minds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.
For further information visit:-
https://www.youngminds.org.ukThis is a collection of apps that are designed to support young people, adults and families with their mental health and well-being.
Some of these do need a paid subscription to use them.
For further information visit:-
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/apps-1Families never just happen, Forests don’t just appear. Both need the right environment, Consistent year on year.
There is nature, and there’s nurture, On this we’re all agreed. And most of us at times need help, To grow our tiny seed.
Trees begin life as a seedling. Vulnerable and small. Adding love and time and patience, They thrive and grow up tall.
We know that we can’t hold too tight, Saplings start out branching, Making friends, then off they go to, Forest schools for learning.
Young Trees grow fast, like teenagers. Big futures to decide. Flourishing roots need safety and an understanding guide
Then just like that, your tree matures. That tiny seed once sown, Your nurturing empowered them, To blossom on their own.
Raising trees is never easy. Where do you get started? Support is never far away, It’s here in your orchard.
Apples for your physical health, Ripe from the Autumn sun. The English Oak that gives us strength. While conker trees bring fun!
Raising trees should not bring torment, Please put your mind at ease. And introduce your offspring to, An Orchard full of trees!
Teresa Quinn Russell